Vietnam Defeat Malaysia 3-1 to Finish Perfect AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Campaign

The Vietnam national football team delivered a commanding performance to defeat the Malaysia national football team 3–1 in their Group F clash of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, strengthening their bid for qualification to the continental tournament.

Vietnam started the match with strong intensity, immediately putting Malaysia under pressure in the opening minutes. The hosts wasted no time asserting control and broke the deadlock just six minutes into the game when defender Đỗ Duy Mạnh rose highest to score from close range, giving Vietnam an early 1–0 lead.

The early goal energized the home side, who continued to dominate possession and dictate the tempo throughout the first half. Malaysia struggled to find rhythm in attack as Vietnam’s defensive organization prevented the visitors from creating clear scoring opportunities.

After the break, Vietnam intensified their attacking approach and soon doubled their advantage. In the 51st minute, striker Nguyễn Xuân Sơn found space inside the penalty area and calmly finished past the Malaysian goalkeeper to make it 2–0.

Vietnam’s attacking momentum did not stop there. Just eight minutes later, Nguyễn Xuân Sơn struck again in the 59th minute, completing his brace with a well-taken effort that extended Vietnam’s lead to 3–0. The forward’s clinical finishing proved decisive and highlighted Vietnam’s sharp attacking efficiency.

Despite trailing by three goals, Malaysia attempted to mount a comeback in the later stages of the match. Their persistence paid off in the 77th minute when substitute Endrick dos Santos successfully converted a penalty to reduce the deficit to 3–1.

However, Vietnam maintained control during the closing stages of the match, defending solidly while managing the tempo to prevent Malaysia from creating further chances. The final whistle confirmed a convincing 3–1 victory for Vietnam.

Goal Scorers

• 6’ – Đỗ Duy Mạnh (Vietnam)
• 51’ – Nguyễn Xuân Sơn (Vietnam)
• 59’ – Nguyễn Xuân Sơn (Vietnam)
• 77’ – Endrick dos Santos (Malaysia, penalty)

The victory further strengthens Vietnam’s position in Group F as they aim to secure qualification for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup tournament. Their performance showcased a balanced combination of defensive discipline and attacking precision, with Nguyễn Xuân Sơn emerging as the standout player of the match.

For Malaysia, the defeat represents a challenging result in their qualifying campaign. Although they managed to score late through Endrick dos Santos, the Harimau Malaya were unable to overcome Vietnam’s early dominance and attacking pressure.

Both teams will now turn their focus to their upcoming fixtures as the race for qualification in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers continues.